Press release Management training offered for European SME executives in a fully-funded EU-China program

Managers from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union are given the unique opportunity to train as China experts and boost their careers as well as their companies’ business opportunities. The EU-China Managers Exchange and Training Programme (METP) focuses specifically on mid-level and senior managers from SMEs. The ten-month program will start in May 2010 and provide intensive business Chinese language studies as well as hands-on experience during work placements in a Chinese business environment. The fully-funded European Commission programme includes a monthly stipend. Application deadline is January 7, 2010.

“Unlike managers from large corporations, SME executives seldom have in-house opportunities to train as China experts. The METP program specifically targets these managers” says Stefan Hell, METP team leader in Beijing: “The immersion into the Chinese language and business culture, a cornerstone of our program, offers unique opportunities for personal career development. Moreover, the SMEs themselves profit from METP by qualifying their staff for business in one of the world’s most dynamic economies, thereby opening up new business opportunities. Perhaps best of all, METP is not limited to a specific industry, so managers from all sectors can apply and use METP as a springboard for their particular business plans.”
METP, launched in 2006, has been extended by the European Commission and China this summer due to the constantly rising number of applicants and high rate of success achieved so far. Currently, the fourth group of 105 managers is being trained. Besides covering the entire stay, the EU program covers all tuition fees and provides participants with a monthly living allowance (1,000 euros).

European managers receive seven months of full-time Chinese language training in Beijing, attend two week intercultural training as well as specially tailored seminars and workshops on cultural and business issues, and undergo a three-month internship.
Applicants should have no or only very limited knowledge of the Chinese language.
European managers from SMEs or Non-Profit organizations and entrepreneurial individuals are encouraged to apply for the program.

For further information, to download the application dossier and for general information about METP visit www.metp.net.cn or contact the METP hotline at +49 69 15402 638.